Which of the following enzymes are released by the pancreas?

Correct option is A

The pancreas is responsible for secreting digestive enzymes, including proteases, lipases, and amylases, which help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the small intestine. Proteases (also called peptidases or proteinases) are enzymes released by the pancreas to break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids. The main proteases secreted by the pancreas include trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase. These enzymes are initially released in an inactive form (zymogens) and get activated in the small intestine.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Protease – Correct answer. Proteases (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin) are produced and secreted by the pancreas into the small intestine, where they play a crucial role in digesting proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids for absorption.
· (b) Pepsin – Incorrect. Pepsin is a protease, but it is secreted by the stomach, not the pancreas. It is released as an inactive enzyme (pepsinogen) by gastric glands and is activated by stomach acid (HCl) to digest proteins in the stomach.
· (c) Lactase – Incorrect. Lactase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose (milk sugar) into glucose and galactose, but it is produced in the small intestine, not by the pancreas. A deficiency of lactase leads to lactose intolerance.
· (d) Maltase – Incorrect. Maltase is an enzyme that breaks down maltose (a disaccharide) into glucose molecules. It is produced by the small intestine, not the pancreas. It works in conjunction with other carbohydrases, such as sucrase and lactase, to aid carbohydrate digestion.